How’s the serenity: Jade, left, Sarah and Matthew enjoy the new sensory garden in Langwarrin with Wallara carers and Rotary Club of Langwarrin volunteers. Picture: Yanni

A GARDEN planned and planted to provide a soothing sight for vulnerable eyes opened its gate last Wednesday (13 December) in Langwarrin.

The Rotary Club of Langwarrin transformed a vacant slab of land next to disability care organisation Wallara’s office at 409 McClelland Drive into a tranquil herb and flower garden.

People with high support needs helped by Wallara will be able to enjoy warm weather this summer and “a sensory experience” in the wheelchair accessible garden.

“They are some of the most vulnerable people in our community, many of whom are non-verbal, have limited mobility and require assistance with feeding, hygiene and some of the most basic, everyday things that we take for granted,” Wallara coordinator Kay Noy said.

“Most gardens are planned around the visual appearance, entertainment or relaxation – some feature all three of these components – but not all gardens have a sensory focus, despite this having the greatest value for all ages and all abilities.

“For people with different abilities, a sensory experience can have even greater benefit to both emotional and physical health.”

Ms Noy praised Rotary volunteers who have “rolled up their sleeves and given up their weekends to dig the garden, lay decking and gravel, plant flowers and basically transform the space”.

Wallara has four sites in the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula area including the 38-acre heritage-listed Sages Cottage Farm in Baxter.

The organisation supports more than 500 people by providing community day services, residential and supported accommodation part and full-time employment, training and workplace opportunities for the disabled.

First published in the Frankston Times – 18 December 2017

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